Ian's Walk

April 1, 1998
Gr. 2^-3, younger for reading aloud. So genuine are the paintings of narrator Julie, her big sister, Tara, and her younger autistic brother, Ian, that the three children look as though they will continue walking, tying a shoe, or feeding the ducks just as soon as the page is turned. As Tara and Julie take Ian along on their walk to the park, Julie describes how Ian acts differently from most people, showing no interest, for example, in the food or customers in Nan's diner and paying attention only to the rotating ceiling fan. Admirably patient with Ian, Julie nevertheless grows angry with his seemingly stubborn ways. Yet her close observations of her brother serve her well when Ian wanders away. By thinking of what Ian likes to do, Julie finds her brother and ushers him home again. Through its simple plot, the story conveys a complex family relationship and demonstrates the ambivalent emotions Julie feels about her autistic brother. This natural mix of resentment, anger, isolation, loyalty, and love is explained in preliminary notes written by professional pediatric caregivers. Sensitizing readers to these dynamics as well as to the autistic condition, this book offers a valuable, warmly told lesson. ((Reviewed April 1, 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)

July 1, 1998
Without ever saying what autism is (beyond "Ian's brain doesn't work like other people's"), Ian's older sister Julie details his peculiar interactions with his surroundings as they walk to the park. Low-key watercolors casually offset Ian's idiosyncrasies with Julie's frustration and impatience. The unsensational tone is maintained to the end when Julie realizes that she appreciates Ian simply for who he is.

(Copyright 1998 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

September 1, 1998
Gr 1-3-Julie, who appears to be eight or nine, tells about an outing to the park with her older sister and younger brother, who is autistic. As they walk through town, she describes the things that Ian does and the sensations he experiences that are different from what most people do and feel. At the park, Ian eats dry cereal he has brought with him instead of pizza and refuses to sit on the bench with Julie. Suddenly, she looks around and notices that he is gone. The girls frantically search for him until, hearing a ringing sound, Julie remembers how much Ian likes to play with the big bell. She runs to find Ian under it, happily ringing away. On the way home, the girls let their brother do all the things he enjoys. This book tries to help families of autistic children understand the role of siblings, their anger, and the problems they may have explaining the disorder to others. However, it does not give enough specific information to be truly useful. As a story, this offering is pleasant enough; however, the picture-book format may not appeal to older youngsters who could benefit from it themselves or share it with their friends. It may, however, help to introduce some behaviors that may be typical of autism to primary-grade audiences.-Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA